NGO application for the Free Interpreting Service form

The Free Interpreting Service aims to provide equitable access to key services for people with limited or no English language proficiency. TIS National delivers the Free Interpreting Service, on behalf of the Department of Social Services.

Non-government organisations (NGOs) can use the Free Interpreting Service to provide approved casework or emergency services that are essential to economic or social participation. This includes services that manage issues arising from health conditions, housing, employment, personal or family safety, and financial crisis.

NGOs are eligible to access the Free Interpreting Service if they are:

an incorporated, not for profit, non-government and community based organisation

delivering services to anyone in Australia who is eligible for Medicare

providing approved casework or emergency services

not receiving substantial government funding for the delivery of the service (organisations delivering government funded services should discuss access to interpreters with their government funding body).

More detailed eligibility information can be found on the Department of Social Services website.
Eligible NGOs can apply for access to the Free Interpreting Service using the online form below.

Medical practitioners, pharmacies and pharmacists, real estate agencies, trade unions, local government agencies and parliamentarians are also eligible for the Free Interpreting service and should register using the client registration form.

To enable us to assess your application as quickly as possible, please provide as much complete and accurate information as possible. TIS National will contact you to advise you of the outcome of your application as soon as possible.

Note: You are not eligible for the Free Interpreting Service as a Non-Government Organisation. Please go to the client registration form to register for a TIS National client code or contact our Language Policy Liaison team on 1300 575 847 to clarify your eligibility.

Is the service for which you are seeking free interpreting a direct government out-sourced programme e.g. Job Network?*

Yes

No

What level of government funding is received for your casework or emergency service activities*

Full

Partial

None

Details of the funding government department

Please provide details of the funding arrangement of your organisation so that we can assess your application for free interpreting services.

Supporting documentation*More information
If you are having problems uploading these documents, please either email them direct to tis.lpl@homeaffairs.gov.au or provide a link to your website where the documentation can be accessed

I certify that I am authorised to provide the information contained in this application form and certify that it is true and accurate*

Yes, I am authorised to provide the information contained in this application form and it is true and accurate

It is understood that by submitting this application form, the organisation is agreeing to abide by the free interpreting service terms and conditions upon being approved to use the Free Interpreting Service under the NGO category*

Yes, I agree to abide by the Free Interpreting Service terms and conditions upon being approved to use the Free Interpreting Service under the NGO category

Note: If a service is government funded, interpreting costs should be built into the funding agreement. Fully government funded services are not eligible for exemption from interpreting fees. If your service is fully government funded please seek funding for interpreting costs from your funding agency.

If you are experiencing difficulties completing the application form, please contact the TIS National Free Interpreting Service Team. A copy of the application form in Portable Document Format (PDF) is available on request.